Medicine Hat Transit will begin accepting e-fare payments on Saturday with the launch of MHT Go! e-fare system.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com@kkingmhn
Medicine Hat Transit’s new MHT Go! electronic fare system launches Saturday, a move the city says is safer and more convenient for riders.
First announced in 2020, the e-fare system expands on MHT’s existing cash system by allowing riders the option of virtual, contactless payment through reloadable cards – called MHT Go! passes – which riders will scan when boarding a bus.
“We’re excited to finally be able to share this project with our riders, as well as the rest of the city,” MHT acting manager Gordon Dykstra said. “This technology is more secure and often more convenient than carrying cash (however) our buses will remain equipped to take cash fares.”
Passes are available at MHT vendor locations and can be loaded and reloaded either at the vendor, through riders’ MHT Go! online account or via the MHT Go! app. A one-time $3 surcharge will be applied to first-time and replacement pass purchases, however the fee is being waived for riders who purchase a one-month pass or load $20 onto their Go! pass between now and Dec. 31.
Following purchase, riders are required to register their pass on the MHT Go! online portal.
Current fare rates will remain following the e-fare system’s launch, with fares the same for cash and electronic payments. Existing paper monthly passes will remain valid until the end of the year, but will no longer be accepted beginning Jan. 1, 2023.
Dykstra acknowledges introduction of the new system will require some adjusting on behalf of riders, but encourages anyone who needs assistance to contact MHT.
“We know our riders will have a lot of questions (but) our drivers and transit staff will be happy to answer questions as they come,” he said. “We’ve also added a list of frequently asked questions to the city website to help answer some of the questions we know people have.”
